Making a Statement With Stone Floors and Countertops
Can anything beat the timeless elegance and luster of natural stone? Not likely. Many homeowners have favored natural stone as a construction and decorating material since ancient times. Small wonder. Natural stone is durable, beautiful, functional, and unique, especially for certain surfaces. Consider making a statement with stone floors and countertops if you want to spruce up your home, whether renovating the kitchen, upgrading the bathroom, or adding some old-world charm. Here are a few reasons why.
Durability and Longevity
Wood, drywall, glass, and other materials all have their place in a home, contributing beauty, convenience, and more. But stone is, literally, eternal. We’ve been using natural stone in construction and interior design for centuries because it lasts for centuries. Like any substance, it experiences some wear and tear, but that damage is over decades, not years or months. Stone can handle foot traffic, spills, and other kinds of damage that leave lasting marks on other materials. With the most basic of maintenance, stone looks good over the course of a lifetime, rarely, if ever, needing extensive repairs or replacement.
Uniqueness
No two stones are alike, and even within a piece of marble, granite, or other types of stone, you’ll find a variety of shades, tones, patterns, and highlights you won’t find anywhere else. Your stone floors and countertops will be truly one-of-a-kind, adding distinctive character to the rooms they’re in and your home at large. There’s a stone to suit every taste, whether you prefer the classic look of marble, the rugged appeal of slate, or the warm tones of granite.
Increased Home Value
Do you consider your home an investment and a place to live? Natural stone floors and countertops raise their value and ensure a higher asking price when it comes time to sell. Potential buyers often view stone floors and countertops as premium features, which helps when it’s time to negotiate the final price.
Pick a Stone, Any Stone!
If you’ve decided to install natural stone floors or countertops, take the time to carefully choose the best type of stone for you. Consider your sense of style, the need the room serves, and what your budget can handle. Some of the most popular stones include:
Marble
Marble is classic and bespeaks luxury and sophistication. Marble has a smooth, polished surface and striking veining patterns. It’s ideal for high-end kitchens, bathrooms, and overall flooring. Keep in mind that marble is more porous and softer than other types of natural stone. It may be a stone but it’s apt to stain and scratch under rough and careless use. Marble requires periodic sealing to keep it looking its best. It tends to keep its luster and allure for a very long time after routine sealing.
Granite
Granite is a solid choice for kitchen countertops and floors. Durable as you’d expect it to be, it resists scratching, staining, and heat damage. Despite its hard and unyielding name, it can be quite lovely, with a variety of colors and patterns. Granite’s natural beauty and resilience make it a practical yet stylish option for any home. It’s also great in busy kitchens!
Quartzite
Quartzite, not quartz, which is entirely different, is known for its hardness and resistance to heat and scratches, making it an excellent choice for countertops and flooring. It looks a lot like marble but is somewhat more durable, though it also requires periodic sealing.
Slate
Slate comes in earthy colors and natural textures for a more rustic look. Highly durable and resistant to water and staining, it’s great for “wetter areas” such as kitchens and bathrooms, but don’t discount it as a great choice for overall flooring. Slate may seem a tad cold and hard and costs more than other materials, but its incredible strength and durability are impressive.
How To Add Stone to Your Home
Haven’t picked the perfect stone for your floors and countertops yet? Consider the following tips on how to incorporate it into your home design:
Choose Complementary Colors
What’s your color scheme? Natural stone comes in more colors than you think, so there’s sure to be a color or pattern that fits your home’s palette. Neutral tones such as whites, grays, and beiges are versatile and complement numerous design styles, from cozy and homey to sleek and clean. Choose stones with richer hues and more striking patterns if you prefer bolder colors. They serve as a stunning focal point in any room.
Mix and Match Textures
Pairing different textures adds depth and interest to your space. Polished marble countertops partner well with textured slate flooring, creating a dynamic contrast. Balance natural stone’s look and presence with the visual weight of other decorative materials (paint, furniture, textiles, and more) in your living space.
Stone Follows Function
Every room has and serves different needs. Choose a natural stone suited to the specific function (or functions) of each space. A kitchen, of course, requires heat-resistant and easy-to-clean countertops—granite and quartzite are perfect for these purposes. Think about safety first in a bathroom. Textured slate or honed marble offers nonslip surfaces that will keep you upright!
All in the Details
Certain finishing touches make all the difference to stone design. Select stone while considering the effect of edge profiles for countertops. Bullnose, beveled, or ogee edges add incredible style and an elegant profile to most stones. Stone accents accentuate the beauty of stone floors. Mosaic tiles or borders are only two design options.
Periodic Maintenance
As durable and long-lasting as natural stone surfaces are, they last longer and look better if you subject them to regular maintenance. As we’ve mentioned, sealing is a standard procedure that protects stone from staining, scratching, etching, and more. In between sealing, keep things looking spiffy with a pH-neutral cleaner, and avoid letting substances (think lemon juice, tomato sauce, and similar food items with a bit of acidic bite) from encountering the stone. Look after your stone, and it will stay lovely for years.
Those are just a few thoughts on making a statement with stone floors and countertops . Contact us for a consultation if you’re ready to bring the wonder of natural stone to your home and life. And once you’ve installed your floor or countertops, keep us in mind for future cleaning and sealing. We offer a raft of stone tile polishing services and more!
